For Writers
Varuna offer writers time and space to write in the ‘big yellow house’ in the Blue Mountains, with six writers-in-residence staying each week, benefiting from one-on-one mentorship, and the support of their peers. Writers can apply to stay at Varuna via one of our residency programs.
We also offer an extensive program of online masterclasses and intensives, designed to support writers to develop their craft, finish their project, and build connections. Unlike many other writing courses, Varuna masterclasses are by application, so that each of our online course groups is carefully curated with our expert facilitators.
Finally, we offer in-person workshops in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, throughout the year as well as during the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival.
Red Room Poetry Fellowship 2025
Applications close Tuesday 4 February 2025
In partnership with Red Room Poetry, this fellowship for six poets includes a residency at Varuna, one-on-one mentorship, and a poetic commission as part of the national Poetry Month in August 2025.
The Varuna First Nations Fellowship
Applications are now closed
This three-week fellowship will be awarded to a First Nations writer who applies for a Varuna Residential Fellowship and whose work is of outstanding quality.
The Next Chapter Residencies
Applications are now closed
Residencies are awarded to recipients of The Wheeler Centre’s Next Chapter program, where four outstanding writers are provided with a year’s mentorship and $15,000 to develop their work.
Arts NT Online Fellowships
Applications are now closed
This program is presented in partnership with the Northern Territory Government through Arts NT. Submissions are welcomed from eligible NT-based writers.
First Peoples India-Australia Exchange
Applications close 12 December 2024
First Nations writers are invited to apply for the opportunity to connect with Adivasi writers from India, first in residence at Varuna, then at a four-week residency at Sangam House in Bangalore.
Varuna Residential Fellowships
Applications are now closed
Varuna’s most prestigious award, running since 1991. Up to 45 fellowships will be awarded to emerging and established writers across Australia, offering between two and four weeks in residence, with mentorship.
Queensland Writers Centre Fellowships
Applications are now closed
The Queensland Writers Centre offers two Varuna fellowships, both of which include a two-week residency at Varuna, travel subsidy and manuscript consultation, and are open to members of the Queensland Writers Centre.
Copyright Agency First Nations Fellowships
Applications will open soon
First Nations writers are invited to apply for one of twelve week-long fellowships at Varuna in 2025, sharing the residency with other First Nations writers, and benefiting from one-on-one mentorship and the sharing of skills and knowledge.
WestWords Varuna Emerging Writers Residency
Applications are now closed
The WestWords Varuna Fellowship offers four emerging writers from diverse backgrounds from Western Sydney the opportunity of a week-long residency, supported throughout the week by mentors.
Arts NT Residential Fellowships
Applications are now closed
This program is presented in partnership with the Northern Territory Government through Arts NT. Submissions are welcomed from eligible NT-based writers.